Flashed on his burnished scales, the sunbeams past
Along his flexuous form in many a hue;
Proud of his freedom, o’er the glade he rolled,
And mocked the rainbow in his hues of gold.
XXXIX.
High towered his head; in many an ample fold
He coiled his volumes, spires o’er spires ascending
And lessening as they rose and inward rolled;
His rustling scales, their various colors blending,
Surpassed the hues of diamond and of gold;